The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-20
TwEED's PRACTICAL JOKES.
How the Big Thief Sometimes Passed
Few of His Leisure Moments

How the Big Thief Sometimes Passed a
Few of His Leisure Moments.
New York Times.
1t seems real funny but still it is fact that
the. digni6ed and ponderous Bill Tweed was
tumultuously fond of practical jokes. 1t was de-
lehtful relaxation to that very busy man when
he could find time to 60 the little cub-room of
the Stable Gang over George Butts Hotel de
Horse. on the corner of Bayard and Elizabeth
streets, and concoct and carry out some gam3 to
be played upon a familiar. There he would meet
congenial souls and would enter into the spirit
of their grand guys" their romps and horse
play like schoolboy at large One day
a noted judge. entered with long,
thin package under his arm, which. upon
unwrapping, proved to be half dozen
glass putty blowers" These were SO sug-
gestive of possibilities that Tweed laughed
heartily over their mere exhibition. They were
passed around and the waiter boy was dispatched
for ammunition of peas. The windows of the
club-room, which was on the second floor, were
arranged with blinds that served to mask the
conspirators. Behind these each sharpshooter
took his station, weapon in hand The first I'M
fortunate that came in range was the dandy
driver of q spirited horse before a red wheeled
light pleasure wagon. His girl lived opposite
aud was looking out of her window with admir-
ing eyes upon the dashing fellow who drove up
in such capital form. The young man knew
that the eyes of Delaware were upon him The
horses nostril," directed Tweed. And the horse
rose upon his hind legs and shook his head, and
darted forward in a manner altogether unac-
countaole to the alarmed dude. He tried to
step down and ont. but the capers of
the horse prevented. and the dandy
seemed IL he felt that he was cut
ting a ridiculous figure. He coaxed with honeyed
words of endearment, but to no purpose until a
little consequential Irishman. with high collar
and frock coat a size or two too large, stepped
upon the scene. Then the driver had a respite,
and, tying his horse to q post, ambled into the
house. The Irshman was walking with a sway
ing easy motion, his hands crossed behind. He
looked as if he owned block of houses, but he
didn't In moment he had jumped three feet
in the air and out in the middle of the street.
where he picked M two cobblestones holding
one in each hand. and stood looking in every di-
rection for his unseen enemy. He wrinkled his
nose. and In many ways gave evidence of the
unerring aim of one of the Stable Gang. Pretty
sooL he got another center, and then he shook
his head. smiled. dropped the cobble-
stones and walked off with both hands
covering his nose. He hog He knew
when he had enough. A colored gentleman,
both hands in his trousers pockets, a neglige air,
and white neckti~, had the goodness to take
the lrishman's place. In a second he opened his
ample mouth and exclaimed:
lymph, yah. here now, dar." And then he
winked and next corrugated his more He COM
menced TO peel off mis- coat. but was admonished
oy provoking sting his ear that Horace
Greeley, who was wise man, was right when he